Small Nonprofit: Fundraising Tips, Leadership Strategies, and Community-Centric Solutions

The Network Myth: A Hiring Red Flag


Listen Later

Send us a text

Relying on a fundraiser’s personal network isn’t a fundraising strategy; it’s a shortcut that can cost your nonprofit big in the long run. 

In this episode, Maria Rio and Caitlin McBride unpack why this common hiring question is a major red flag, what it reveals about an organization’s approach to fundraising, and how small nonprofits can shift toward healthier, more sustainable donor relationships. 

Meet the Hosts 

  • Maria Rio: Expert fundraiser with 10+ years of experience helping Executive Directors secure the funding they need without the overwhelm. 
  • Caitlin McBride: Certified Fundraising Executive with a decade of experience making fundraising less chaotic and more doable for small nonprofits. 

5 Key Takeaways 

  1. Fundraising Is About Mission, Not Personal Rolodexes 
    A fundraiser’s job is to connect donors to the mission, not just to themselves. The strongest relationships are built between donors and the organization’s cause, not one staff member. 
  2. “Who Do You Know?” Reveals Short-Term Thinking 
    When nonprofits ask this, they’re often chasing quick wins instead of building long-term fundraising systems. It signals a lack of investment in donor stewardship. 
  3. It’s an Inequitable Expectation 
    Not everyone has a wealthy, well-connected network. Tying job eligibility to personal privilege shuts out talented, values-aligned fundraisers from diverse backgrounds. 
  4. Over-Reliance on One Person is Risky 
    If donor relationships live only with one fundraiser, they walk out the door when that person leaves. That’s a high-stakes gamble for any small nonprofit. 
  5. You Need Hunters AND Farmers 
    Hunters go after big gifts fast; farmers cultivate relationships for the long haul. The best fundraising teams balance both approaches for sustainable growth. 

🎧 Listen to more episodes for actionable fundraising tips and insights on nonprofit leadership, nonprofit governance, productivity & tools, and donor engagement strategies that work. We're here to eliminate nonprofit burnout and boost your donations!  

Key Quote: 

“Focus on relationships between the mission and the donor, not just between the fundraiser and the donor.” – Caitlin McBride 

3 Actionable Tips for EDs & Hiring Managers 

  • Hire for Relationship-Building Skills 
    Ask candidates how they build, deepen, and sustain donor relationships. Skip the “who do you know” question; it doesn’t measure actual fundraising ability. 
  • Build Systems That Keep Donors Connected to the Mission 
    Use stewardship processes, regular communication, and impact storytelling so donors feel invested in the cause regardless of staff changes. 
  • Prioritize Values Alignment Over Access to Wealth 
    Fundraisers who share your mission’s values will build stronger, more authentic relationships that last – no matter who’s in their contact list. 

Support the show

  • Connect with the show: Watch the episode on YouTube; follow Maria Rio on LinkedIn for more conversations and resources. Or support our show. We are fully self-funded!
  • Book a Discovery Call with Further Together: Need help with your fundraising? See if our values-aligned fundraisers are a fit for your organization.


...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Small Nonprofit: Fundraising Tips, Leadership Strategies, and Community-Centric SolutionsBy Further Together: Fundraising Strategies for Nonprofit Organizations

  • 4.6
  • 4.6
  • 4.6
  • 4.6
  • 4.6

4.6

27 ratings


More shows like Small Nonprofit: Fundraising Tips, Leadership Strategies, and Community-Centric Solutions

View all
Hidden Brain by Hidden Brain, Shankar Vedantam

Hidden Brain

43,624 Listeners

Taking Control: The ADHD Podcast by TruStory FM

Taking Control: The ADHD Podcast

445 Listeners

Nonprofits Are Messy: Lessons in Leadership | Fundraising | Board Development | Communications by Joan Garry

Nonprofits Are Messy: Lessons in Leadership | Fundraising | Board Development | Communications

319 Listeners

The Goal Digger Podcast | Top Business and Marketing Podcast for Creatives, Entrepreneurs, and Women in Business by Jenna Kutcher

The Goal Digger Podcast | Top Business and Marketing Podcast for Creatives, Entrepreneurs, and Women in Business

12,062 Listeners

Pod Save America by Crooked Media

Pod Save America

87,153 Listeners

The Daily by The New York Times

The Daily

112,327 Listeners

Up First from NPR by NPR

Up First from NPR

56,375 Listeners

Worklife with Adam Grant by TED

Worklife with Adam Grant

9,191 Listeners

The Liz Moody Podcast by Liz Moody

The Liz Moody Podcast

3,118 Listeners

I Have ADHD Podcast by Kristen Carder

I Have ADHD Podcast

2,870 Listeners

Strict Scrutiny by Crooked Media

Strict Scrutiny

5,751 Listeners

The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos by Pushkin Industries

The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos

14,382 Listeners

Hacking Your ADHD by William Curb

Hacking Your ADHD

718 Listeners

We Can Do Hard Things by Treat Media and Glennon Doyle

We Can Do Hard Things

41,479 Listeners

The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart by Comedy Central

The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart

10,808 Listeners